16 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message:

By Mr Kort Goodman - Principal

Dear Parents

Today our College took part in the “National Day of Action Against Bullying.’ The focus of the day was based around the theme of ‘Imagining a World Free from Bullying!” At Assumption College we focussed upon the concept that ‘Strong people stand up for themselves, but the strongest people stand up for others.’

Historical evidence highlights the fact that often the victim who is bullied can then become the bully themselves. We are hoping that by highlighting this relationship, this chain of aggression and violence can be broken by standing up for the rights of others and being the voice for the voiceless. By standing collectively together as a College community we can come together to build a school that is safe and the dignity of each student is respected.

The National Day of Action follows on from Queensland Premier, Anastacia Palaszczuk, recent announcement of the establishment of an Anti-Cyberbullying Task Force, comprising of young Queenslanders, parents, schools, communities and experts, who will provide the Queensland Government with detailed advice and co-ordination regarding tackling bullying and cyberbullying. The Premier stated: ‘We need to work together as a community to address this issue. This is impacting too many Australians.’

The latest survey indicates that one in four people are bullied in schools and the largest increase in bullying that is occurring is cyberbullying. Unfortunately, the anonymity of communication in the online world often creates a perception of invisibility. This invisibility removes the normal feedback one derives from in-person communication, providing an environment where empathy for others is reduced and increases the misconception that no harm is occurring. It is easy to write something about someone when there is no personal relationship, but unfortunately when messages and images are sent on social media they can be distributed to hundreds of people and leave a digital footprint.

It may not be realistic to believe that any school will be truly bully free. However, a good measure of a school is the way we address the challenges of bullying, ensuring as a community, there is a social consciousness on the way we speak, behave and act to each other that is inclusive of all.

The Assumption College Mission Statement call us to make a positive difference in our community, where individuals are not excluded, and all members of our community feel valued and safe. The theme for today’s National Day of Action Against Bullying calls us to be change agents, to have insights into those who are affected by bullying and to be a community that practices positive attitudes and behaviours that promotes a culture of non-violence and respectful relationships.

It is my belief that through our pastoral program, co-curricular and peer mentoring activities, Assumption College provides a community where all students are nurtured and where every student is a precious gift to the College.

This week we pray.

Dear God

Please help all people who are feeling bullied at this time.

May they know that they are not alone and as a community we are here to support them.

Please help those people who are bullying others to stop, think and change their behaviours.

Help them to become better people.

Please help those who witness bullying to have the courage to support those being bullied by challenging the bullies about their behaviour.

We make this prayer in the name of Jesus.

Amen

School Review and Improvement Process

In our last newsletter I made mention of the fact that our College was taking part in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools School Review and Improvement Process over three days last week. I would like to thank the community members, students and staff for their willingness to engage in this process over the three days. The outcome of this process is that our College will receive a written report from the external panel, providing us with commendations on current practices and recommendations for consideration to support further school improvement. Once this report is received it will be made available on our website and I will provide a summary in our newsletter.

Senior Schooling Preparation – Pupil Free Days 2018

In order to prepare for the implementation of the new senior schooling system to be introduced in 2019, the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese have provided all secondary schools in the Diocese with an additional three pupil free days this year. These pupil free days will be taken on the last day of terms 1, 2 and 3. In addition to these pupil free days the Queensland Government have also made the first day of term 2 a pupil free day to coincide with the end of the Commonwealth Games.

We are very appreciative of the provision of these days as they will allow the staff of our College the time to ensure that we are extremely well prepared for the implementation of this new system in 2019. This preparation involves the organisation of new units of work and assessment for the new system, aligning our junior school curriculum with the new senior school curriculum and most importantly ensuring that we continue to support our current Year 11 students who will complete their senior schooling under our current system in 2019.

Have a lovely week

Kort

TERM 1 – 2018 DATE CLAIMERS

TERM 2 – 2018 DATE CLAIMERS

Pastoral Care News:

By Mr Craig Frattini, Deputy Principal

Parenting Ideas Insights

Strategies to Deal With Cyberbullying
by Martine Oglethorpe

Cyberbullying is certainly one of the downsides of the digital world and something that evokes great fear amongst parents and educators. While the extent of the harm and the effects of cyberbullying can vary greatly, it is important that young people know there are things that can be done to minimise that harm, and to help put an end to bullying behaviour.

Cyberbullying can be described as any bullying that occurs via a technological medium, either via texting, email, social media interactions, gaming comments or the unwanted sharing of images and videos. It tends to have three characteristics: it usually involves a power imbalance, it is behaviour intended to cause harm or embarrassment, and it doesn’t cease when the target asks for it to stop.

We should make a distinction between behaviour that is bullying – and thus reportable – versus that which is simply ‘mean and nasty’. Some behaviours are hurtful and unkind, but not necessarily bullying. An action may be thoughtless, bold, mean, rude or ill mannered, but it doesn’t necessarily have the characteristics of bullying. Such one-off behaviours would rarely be reportable or require follow up in line with anti-bullying laws. Nevertheless, for such behaviours we can still use the strategies below, as well as a healthy dose of resilience. We just wouldn’t be reporting the behaviour to police or looking to the law for help.

When bullying behaviours do occur, we now have some good data to support a number of potential strategies that can work for young people. Some of these are more appropriate for certain people and certain situations, but the most important thing for young people is to know that they do have options.

Block

Every social network, app or gaming device has the ability to block or mute someone who is abusing you in any way. It is important to familiarise yourself with the ‘settings’ button on any network or game as this is where you will find the ways to block those people who are no longer serving you well.

Report

If the behaviour is particularly malicious or threatening and appears to be breaking any codes of behaviour set out by the service or network, the perpetrator can be reported to that service or network. Their account can be looked at and taken down if they are deemed to be breaking those codes of conduct. Again, look to the settings in the particular app or game to find reporting instructions.

Ignore

For those who are able, simply ignoring the behaviour has also been found to be most effective. When there is no one there to respond, the offender often gets tired of the lack of interaction. The refusal ‘to take the bait’ often sees the behaviour subside. Of course if ignoring it doesn’t stop the behaviour, then other steps need to be taken.

Be an upstander

The power of numbers can be both a good and a bad thing online. If one person takes a stand and sticks up for someone there is usually a ripple effect and others will join in to admonish the behaviour. Encouraging young people to have the courage to stand up for others who are unable to stand up for themselves goes a long way to stopping these behaviours.

Seek help from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner

If you have not had any success in getting comments, photos or videos taken down by a social network, the next step is to take your issue to the eSafety Commissioner. The Commissioner’s office has the power to deal with cyberbullying and take down any content thought to be threatening or abusive. Take screenshots if needed as evidence of offending behaviour.

Get others involved

‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ they say, and this can certainly be true for those experiencing bullying. This can be difficult for some kids who fear retribution to themselves, embarrassment or having their tech taken away. However, it is important for them to know that these do not have to be concerns for them. Ask your young person who they feel they could turn to should something go wrong online. This will preferably be a parent or teacher, but even if it is another friend both kids can discuss how they could help someone else in the same situation. What are the steps they could take to help someone being bullied online?

Every young person has the right to safe access to the internet and to be able to engage in positive interactions with others. When this right is denied, it is imperative that young people know they have options at their disposal to put an end to the bullying behaviour and get back to their fundamental right of safe access to the online world.

Martine Oglethorpe

Martine Oglethorpe is a speaker, counsellor and educator with a passion for building resilient kids in a digital world. Martine is available for student workshops focused on positive online behaviours, for teacher professional development on how the digital world affects what happens in the classroom and for corporate and parent information sessions. For more information head to her website themodernparent.net. Contact details: info@martineoglethorpe.com.au.

APRE News:

By Mrs Kate Cullen, APRE

Project Compassion

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Project Compassion Appeal. Part of the Lenten message of taking time to reflect and re-connect to God is often the discussion of what will I give up for Lent? Well it is just as good to think about what will I take up- smiling at others, saying thank you, sharing positive comments I would normally just think, doing my chores without being asked, or offering to help out even if it isn’t my chore to do at home?

Thanks to those who took up the challenge to donate to help make a difference to others the world over.

Study of Religion Excursion

Each year the Study of Religion students visit places of worship from other faiths as well as meet and speak with guest speakers/lecturers about the religion. This year the trip was to the Buddhist Temple to experience the main shrine, complete some calligraphy for mindfulness and focus our minds in meditation and to ACU to hear a Bible Studies Lecture and tour the university. Students use the information they gathered from the excursion this week for stimulus in their exam.

The students were very good on the day and impressed by the temple and our presenters who were engaging and thoughtful about the meaning and purpose of the Buddhist way of life. Ian Elmer, the ACU lecturer, challenge students to think about the context and purpose of scripture and how meaning has been shaped within the worlds of the text. I thank the teachers Mrs Sharp, Ms Bastion and Ms Molkentin who came along on the behalf of the students for making it possible!

Considering the Study of Religion visit to the Buddhist temple this week, a Year 11 REET about to focus on a World Religions unit, I chose this reflection for the newsletter from Ron Roleiser

We can learn something from watching toddlers play. There’s a disarming, brutal honesty in them. They simply rip what they want from each other’s hands and try to shout louder than the rest to gain attention.

Ron Rolheiser, OMI

The Law of Karma

We do the same thing, except in subtler and less honest ways. Beneath the surface of our everyday politeness and decorum, in ways we don’t often have the courage to look at or acknowledge, we’re still toddlers trying to snatch the toys from each other and trying to shout louder than others to get attention.

The real air we’re breathing out is fraught with self-interest, jealousy, competitiveness, pettiness, fear, and less than full honesty. In subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways we’re saying to each other:

“Who do you think you are!” “I’m brighter and more successful than you.” “I’m better looking than you.” “I’m the person here who’s the most knowledgeable, everyone should be listening to me.” “My sufferings are deeper and more important than yours.” “I’m more interesting than others and my story is more important”.

We would never admit that we feel these things, but, too often, that’s the air we’re breathing out.

Is it any mystery then that our lives are full of competition, jealousy, bitterness, anger, accusation, and false judgement? Is it a mystery why so often, beneath a polite surface, there is so much thinly disguised competition, jealousy, and non-forgiveness around? We’re breathing these things into the world, should we be surprised that we’re re-inhaling them? The measure we’re measuring out is the measure that we’re receiving.

Jesus takes this even further. He adds: “To those who have much, even more will be given; and from those who have little, even what they have will be taken away.” That sounds so unfair, the innate cruelty of nature, the survival of the fittest applied to the gospels, Jesus as Darwin.

Isn’t Jesus’ message supposed to be about the survival of the weakest? It is, but a certain law of karma still applies.

To the big of heart, who breathe out what’s large and honest and full of blessing, the world will return a hundredfold in kind - honesty and blessing that swells the heart even more.

Conversely to the miserly of heart and dishonest of spirit, the world will give back too in kind - pettiness and lies that shrink the heart still further.

That’s the deep mystery at the centre of the universe: The air we breathe out into the world is the air we will re-inhale.

Curriculum News:

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal—Curriculum

UNSW

Please continue to return the permission forms for these tests. A reminder for any Year 7 students who wish to participate to see me.

End of Term 1 Progress Report

Term 1 Progress Reports will be posted to parents in the last week of term. This report is designed to give parents some indication of how their child is progressing in their studies. Please keep in mind that results are based on the Term 1 assessment only and may reflect only parts of the criteria and units that is being studied. Whilst teachers may request an interview with parents, we also strongly encourage parents to request interviews with teachers. We understand that families have busy schedules; however we would really appreciate an opportunity to discuss your child’s education with you. Interviews for both days will be booked through our online SOBS program. An instruction sheet outlining how to do this will be sent home with reports for Year 7 parents.

Assessment Extension Process

If your child is unwell and cannot email their assessment in on the due date the extension process can be followed. For Junior students a note from home is required, for senior students it must be a medical certificate or other relevant documentation. Students can then complete the form either digitally (available on the student drive) or in hard copy (available from the office) and discuss it with their teacher. Junior students must then seek the final approval from the Junior Curriculum Program Leader- Mr Matt Kirby and seniors must seek the final approval from the Senior Curriculum Program Leader – Mrs Carol Sharp. Extensions can also be granted in extenuating circumstances such as bereavement, injury or certain family circumstances.

Week 10

Across all year levels and subjects week 10 will herald the beginning of all new units. This is an important week for all students to be in attendance as the foundations of the Term 2 work will begin. It is not a time for holidays or staying at home as integral learning will be happening across all classes.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing will occur on the 15th – 17th May. This year Year 7 and 9 students will complete the test online. In preparation for this online test all Year 7 and 9 students will participate in a practice test on the 22nd March. Students will need earphones to complete these tests.

If you wish to withdraw your child from the NAPLAN testing, contact the College office for the appropriate paperwork.

Assessment Calendars

A reminder that assessment calendars are available via a shortcut on student’s i-pads/laptops. All students have been emailed the link.

Careers News:

By Mrs Ali Porter, Program Leader Student Pathways

Noteworthy items:

• UMAT applications are now open for Year 12 students interested in future study in medicine, optometry and dentistry
• School-based traineeship positions are currently available for Year 10 or 11 students at a local retailer. This is a great opportunity and information has been emailed to students.

GenR8 Program

Congratulations to Joshua Hynes, Martin Fernandez and Stewart LeLay on their acceptance into the Department of Employment and Training’s GenR8 program. The GenR8 involves a number of local businesses involved in transport and logistics and gives students the opportunity to gain a certificate qualification and vocational experience.

Good Universities Guide

A great resource for pathways, course and university information is the Good Universities Guide. This guide can be accessed at the link below. It offers information on tertiary educational institutions and courses. I can also recommend it as a good source of information for any students looking at applying for scholarships for tertiary studies.

An Interest in Agriculture?

Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 interested in rural and agricultural pathways and careers should consider attending the Ag Inspirations career awareness program on offer later in the year through AgForce Queensland. I am currently taking expressions of interest from students for the program and some information has been provided to students. Places are limited in the program so it is advisable that interested students return an expression of interest form as soon as possible. As the time for the program draws near, more information will be sent home to parents of students who have registered their interest.

Sport News:

By Mrs Julie Collins, Program Leader Sport

Cross Country

The College Cross Country will be held on Tuesday 27 March at the Warwick Golf Course.

Students will arrive at school as normal and attend PC. Students will attend the Easter Liturgy after PC here at the College. At the conclusion of the Easter Liturgy, students will be bused in House groups to the Golf Course.

• Students will participate in the Cross Country and a Cross Country Relay event.
• At the conclusion of the presentation (approx. 2:30pm) students will be allowed to leave from the Golf Course with a parent. All remaining students will be bused back to the College at 2:30pm

A BBQ will operate during the day and all proceeds will be gifted to CARITAS.

Sausage $2
Soft drink/water $1
Ice-blocks .50c

Students should bring extra water and a hat. Students may wear House colours.

Please see approximate order of events below.

Sport Dates

Library News:

By Mrs Mary-anne Driver

This fortnight we have enjoyed many and varied activities in the library.

We started a graffiti wall and asked students to add life affirming and positive comments. Everyone who took up the challenge added some wonderful words of wisdom – a teacher was even quoted!

Origami, hangman and sketching on the whiteboard have also been popular, showing that we have some budding artists in our midst.

We enjoyed playing the game ‘Liar’s Dice’ from Pirates of the Caribbean fame, using our maths skills to work out probability and chance!

Business News:

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager.

Text Book Hire

After reflecting on our policies & procedures for the Text Book Hire Scheme in 2016, we have made an amendment to the conditions of participation in this scheme. The following condition now applies: If a student returns a book within 30 days of being billed for this item, the cost will be refunded. If the book is returned after 30 days of an account being issued, no refund will be granted. Basically, if a student neglects to return a class novel, text, etc. within a reasonable time of it being due the cost of this resource will be billed to their school fees. If the student returns the resource within 30 days, this charge will be removed. If 30 days passes, the charge will remain on the account, even if the resource is found and returned. This is due to the fact that our College purchases new books to replace missing copies from our Text Book Hire scheme.

We also ask that parents/guardians get their students to put their name in their textbooks to ensure that if textbooks are found, they get back to the correct borrower. We have had problems in the past where students hand in A textbook, but not necessarily their own. They will still be charged for their missing textbook.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance this year.

Student Counsellor News:

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie

Bullying. No Way! Day

Today Friday 16 March, we will be celebrating the National Day of Action against bullying and violence. Assumption College students are taught continually values, attitudes and behaviours that provide a safe and supportive environment for all at our school. In addition, students are explicitly taught that bullying others is in no way acceptable at our school, and if peer problems arise that they (or their family) feel unable to manage, then the issue should be discussed with the appropriate member of College staff (eg Pastoral Care Teacher, Pastoral Leader, Principal/Deputy Principal or Student Counsellor).

In the lead up to Bullying. No Way! Day, during morning Pastoral classes this week students have also made an anti-bullying pledge and been reminded:

STRONG PEOPLE STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES.
STRONGER PEOPLE STAND UP FOR OTHERS!
BULLYING. NO WAY!

The national definition for bullying for Australian schools says:

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious or hidden.

Sometimes, it can be difficult for families to know what to do when their young person talks to them about bullying. The information below has come directly from the National Day of Action Team.

Stopping bullying involves everyone. If your child/adolescent talks to you about bullying:

• Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress.
• Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
• Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au which is an Australian Government website containing evidence based tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
• Contact your school (as above).
• Check in regularly with your child. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

General Notices:

Enrolment Applications 2019

Assumption College is currently taking enrolments for students intending to attend the College in 2019. Enrolment applications are available from the College office. Enrolment interviews have commenced and will continue during Term 2. Please return your completed application form as soon as possible if you have a student considering the College for 2019.

Term 2 Change to Winter Uniform

Just a reminder that students are required to wear their winter uniform beginning from Day 1 in Term 2.

ZONTA Club of Warwick - Young Women in Public Affairs Award for 2018

Congratulations to Mary Higgins on winning the ZONTA Club of Warwick - Young Women in Public Affairs Award for 2018. Well done Mary!

Assumption College Choir and Musicians

Thank you to our Assumption College Choir and Musicians who represented the College recently at the Youth Mass held at St Marys in Warwick. This Mass was an opportunity for our youth to be directly involved in the Church service, and it was great to see our students participate with such enthusiasm and reverence.

Shave For A Cure

Jarrod Grayson recently participated in Shave For A Cure. Well done Jarrod for being involved in such a worthy cause!

Lions Youth of The Year

Well done Mary Higgins on also winning The Lions Club Youth of The Year! Congratulations on all your efforts Mary!

Assumption College Formal

FORMAL TICKETS

Tickets go on sale at Assumption College from Monday 19 March.

A ticket desk will be set up in room 204 for ticket sales at the following times:

• Monday 19 March - 10.40am to 11.20am
• Tuesday 20 March - 10.40am to 11.20am
• Wednesday 21 March - 11.30am to 12pm (QCS practice day)
• Thursday 22 March - 11.30am to 12pm (QCS practice day)

Cash, Cheque or EFTPOS is accepted. Last day for ticket purchases is 17 April 2018.

Ticket Options

Pre-Drinks & Canapés (5-7:30pm) - Please purchase if you wish to attend this event (one per person, 5 and under are free). Ticket includes Canapés, Drinks and Entertainment. Ticket/s must be presented on arrival. Cost $25.00 (per person).

Dinner & Formal (8-11pm) - Please purchase if you wish to attend this event (one per person). Ticket includes Dinner, Dessert and Entertainment. Ticket/s must be presented on arrival. Cost $45.00 (per person).

Any questions or queries related to ticket purchases please contact either:

Kylie Brodrick Kylie.Brodrick@twb.catholic.edu.au
Toni Cox Toni.Cox@twb.catholic.edu.au

Position Vacant

Mobile Phone Use

We would appreciate it if parents/carers could remind their students that mobile phones are NOT to be used at school. If a student is sick or needs to contact a parent for any reason, we ask that they please come to the office and we will make contact for them. Students are not to use their mobile phones to contact a parent directly to come and pick them up if they are sick. This is for the safety of the student, if they are unwell we need to be aware of that so we can monitor them until a parent arrives to pick them up. Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

P&F News

Recognition of Selection – Darling Downs and/or Queensland School Sport Team

It was decided at our February meeting that the P & F Association would continue to acknowledge those students who have gained selection in a Darling Downs and/or Queensland School Sport Team by making a contribution to the cost involved in attending State and National School Sport Championships.

The P & F Association sponsorship for 2018 is:

Selection in a Darling Downs School Sport Team - $150
Selection in a Queensland School Sport Team - $300

Just a reminder that P&F meetings are held in the College library the second Monday of the month during the school term, commencing at 7.30pm. Attending a meeting is a great way to discover more about what is happening at your child’s school. Everyone is welcome.

St Mary’s Catholic Parish:

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